Category: Evergreen

Inspiring Artistry and Creativity in Hardscaping: Lessons from JPave’s Award-Winning Project

Breaking into the hardscape industry can feel like a big leap, but the recent 2024 Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards was a reminder that great things come from creativity, passion, and a willingness to push boundaries. With a remarkable 215 project submissions across 19 categories submitted in 2024, the competition highlighted the creativity and expertise within the field.

Among the standout projects was one that should especially inspire newcomers to the field: JPave’s “Grown Expectations,” a residential patio that redefines what’s possible in small spaces.

Jason and Jennifer Stewart, owners of JPave in Smithville, MO, took home top honors in the Segmental Concrete Pavement – Residential (less than 3,000 square feet) category. Their award-winning patio design used a combination of brickwork and pavers to create the impression of a vine weaving through the space, connecting a pergola, firepit, water feature, and dining area.

For Jason Stewart, this design was a long time in the making.

“I actually designed a variation of that idea for two prior customers, but nobody ever wanted it until this customer. I think with this particular project, the space that was allowed, the things they already had in place, and what they wanted and requested, it just flows so beautifully,” he explained.

For those new to the industry, Jason’s experience highlights the importance of finding a balance between artistic vision and customer needs. It’s all about understanding your clients’ preferences and finding creative ways to bring those ideas to life. This project, for instance, stayed true to the home’s overall aesthetic.

“It was a traditional design. The home is a traditional home. The front is all red brick, so it definitely matched the style of the home,” Jason shared. “I did present two other ideas that were more modern and contemporary designs to the same customer, and this is what they chose.”

For anyone starting out, one of the most inspiring aspects of “Grown Expectations” is the way it combines so many skills, including hardscaping, carpentry, boulder coring, lighting, wall building, staining, and even some coppersmithing. Jason’s advice? Don’t shy away from challenges.

“Since I was the installer and the designer, I knew my capabilities,” he noted. “Don’t be afraid to design and install. We did have to do a lot of stuff here. That wasn’t all interlocking pavement. There were water features, electrical pumps. There’s a curved pergola in it where there’s actually carpentry and woodwork. There are walls in there.”

Jennifer added, “Don’t be afraid to try the hard stuff. He knew it was going to be difficult, and that execution was going to be different and one of a kind, and he was not afraid of it. He went in full force and just knocked it out of the park.”

The Stewarts hope this recognition will open doors for new design opportunities and inspire others in the hardscaping community to explore their creativity.

“I’m hoping to gain more design work off of it,” Jason said. “We definitely wanted to show what you can do with a small space and it doesn’t look crowded at the same time… You could scoot the table and chairs out of the way, and it could be a dance floor for sure.”

Whether you’re just starting in the hardscaping field or looking to push your designs further, remember that every project is an opportunity to learn, innovate, and inspire. JPave’s “Grown Expectations” is proof that with a clear vision and a fearless approach, you can create spaces that not only stand out but also resonate with your clients and bring their dreams to life.

Making a Great Impression: Interview Tips for Hardscaping Job Seekers

Your resume has caught the eye of the recruiter and you’ve made it to the interview round! 

But like any field, landing a hardscaping job means nailing the interview.

If you’re preparing for an interview in hardscaping, you want to make sure you’re not just another candidate but someone who stands out as prepared, passionate, and capable. Here are some tips from a few industry veterans to help you make a great impression.

Do Your Research

Before stepping into your interview, take time to research the company. Show that you’ve taken an interest in their work and operations. This doesn’t mean just skimming through their website; dig a little deeper. Follow the company on social media platforms, check out their recent projects, and familiarize yourself with the types of work they do.

“Knowing a little bit about the company is so important because it shows that you take initiative…It’s always a compliment for an employer to hear that someone is following the company online or on social media, but in a subtle way. Saying, ‘Hey, you know I’ve been following you guys and some of the things I love that you do that really draws me to your company is this,’” said Frank Bourque, a Landscape and Hardscape Business Consultant and the founder and host of the Landscape & Hardscape Business Success Summit.

“If someone shows up and they’ve never been on the website, they’ve never looked at what we do, and they don’t really know if we do landscaping or hardscaping or planting flowers, it’s not necessarily a turnoff, but then you’re just like anybody else that shows up at the door.”

Bourque recommends preparing some examples specific to the company you are interviewing with and being prepared to talk about how you relate to that type of work.

Be Ready with Real-World Examples

If you have prior experience, definitely bring it up in the interview. But even if you don’t have direct experience in hardscaping, you can relate your past work or activities to the demands of the industry.

“Even if you’ve never been in the industry, maybe having some examples of where you’ve brushed against the industry. I don’t care if it’s your mother that put in a paver driveway one day, right? But at least that shows me that they understand what we’re doing and what the industry is about,” said Travis Hilldore, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Pathfinder Systems.

“If you have no experience in hardscaping, make it relatable to something else. Like, ‘Hey, I’ve worked outside. I love that type of work. I know it’s tough. I know long hours outside means having to get ready for your day and to bring lunch,’” Bourque said. “They sound so basic, but these things are so important.”

Bourque said this kind of example shows him that a candidate is motivated and prepared. He also noted that sharing experience working with a team can be helpful.

“If working with a team is part of what you like to do then you’re going to be a great fit for a lot of companies just to start with,” Bourque said. “Because if you’re coachable, you have the right attitude, you seem like you’re organized, you seem like you know what you want to do, those are, I would say, at the top of the list of what employers look for in our industry.”

Showcase Your Soft Skills

The hardscaping industry is not just about skills with tools or equipment; it’s also about teamwork, communication, and reliability. You can prepare concrete examples that highlight your ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and adapt to changing conditions.

“Describe some challenges that you faced in the past, and how you overcame these. It could be having a problem and problem solving with the team and then reaching out to the owner to make sure that it’s a good solution, instead of just presenting a problem to the employer,” Bourque said.

“Employers love to hear how you’ve solved problems because business owners hear problems all day long. They would much prefer hearing, ‘Hey, here’s the issue. But here’s three examples of how we could probably solve this.’”

According to Bourque, employers appreciate candidates who understand the importance of teamwork and reliability.

“For example, when you don’t show up, it impacts the whole team. It might even change the whole day for everybody else around you. So, when you’re able to demonstrate that you have self-awareness, that you know that your behavior is going to impact others, that says a lot. That shows maturity,” Bourque said.

You can also show examples of when you’ve had to adapt to new roles or challenges quickly.

“Be able to show some examples of how over time you’ve been given more responsibility. It shows how you can show up when you’re needed for these things and be consistent at it. I think these are the soft skills that will stand out,” Bourque said.

Hilldore said he likes to ask questions that stretch a candidate’s knowledge and show him how they approach different situations.  

“I like to lead with, ‘Hey, there’s no right or wrong answer on this, however, if you ran into a situation where you’re the only one in the office, because we travel quite a bit, and a customer called you up asking very specific questions about a piece of equipment. How would you handle that?’” Hilldore said.

“That just gives me a good feel for their communication style, how quickly they can pick up on the information that’s on our website, things like that. Whether they would lie or not is a big one…You get to see their thought process.”

Come Prepared and Presentable

While many jobs in the hardscaping industry may not require a suit and tie, first impressions still matter. Dress appropriately for the company culture and bring a notebook to the interview.

“To me, something that’s impressive is somebody who shows they’re fairly organized. A notebook with them to take notes, pre-prepared questions,” Hilldore said. “Showing up a little bit early. Looking somebody in the eye while talking to them.”

Pre-preparing questions is a huge plus and demonstrates that you’re serious about the opportunity. Ask about the company’s current projects, what they’re looking for in a team member, or how you can grow within the company.

“If they’re asking about the culture and they’re asking about opportunities for growth. I think that shows some motivation,” Hilldore said.

“I always joke around about that. Everybody talks about their business being a family. Well, frankly speaking, I’d rather be with my actual family on Christmas and Thanksgiving. But we are a close-knit team, and we rely on each other. So, if they’re asking questions about how they can integrate within a group, it shows somebody who is looking to fit in somewhere,” Hilldore said.

After the Interview

The top candidates know the impression they leave doesn’t end when the interview does and they follow up with their interviewer afterward.

A simple email to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration can help keep you top of mind.

“I’d say it’s 50-50 that people even email you and say, ‘Hey, thanks for the interview.’ That used to happen a lot more,” said Trevor Fearn, the VP Operations at CornerStone Wall Solutions Inc. “Now it really makes you stand out.”

Preparing for a hardscaping job interview is all about demonstrating your readiness for the job. If you follow these tips, you’ll shine as a candidate.

Still in the job application stage? Check out our tips on crafting a compelling resume.

Laying the Foundation: Resume Tips for Hardscaping Job Seekers

Breaking into the hardscaping industry can be exciting, especially if you’re passionate about creating stunning outdoor spaces. But just like any other profession, landing a job in hardscaping requires a strong resume that grabs employers’ attention.

Here are some tips from a few industry veterans to help you craft a resume that stands out.

Get the Basics Right

Frank Bourque, a Landscape and Hardscape Business Consultant and the founder and host of the Landscape & Hardscape Business Success Summit, started his first landscaping and hardscaping business more than 20 years ago. In the first six years, Bourque grew the business to more than 100 employees. He estimates that he has hired hundreds of people since then and said he has learned a lot about what makes a candidate successful in the application process and beyond.

First and foremost is to get the basics right on your resume. This means ensuring your contact information is up to date and accurate.

“We’ve noticed that a lot of people could have been good candidates. But, believe it or not, some people forget the right contact information. So, they didn’t have the right address or the right phone number. It wasn’t the right email and it was hard to get a hold of them,” Bourque said. “We had no way of knowing how else to reach them.”

Your resume is your first opportunity to show your communication skills and attention to detail. A clear, well-organized resume indicates you’re professional and serious about the job.

Make sure to proofread for errors, avoid content that doesn’t add value, and keep the layout simple.

As Bourque says, how you do anything is how you do everything. A messy resume or a resume that has inaccurate details might signal to an employer that you’ll bring the same approach to your work.

Trevor Fearn, the VP Operations at CornerStone Wall Solutions Inc., said the length of your resume is also a seemingly basic detail that is critical to get right.

“If you have a resume, it needs to be on one page. Period. Here’s the thing. Most people don’t care that you worked at the county fair when you were 15. I think some people feel like they need their whole life on the resume,” Fearn said. “The reality is, if it’s two pages, most people don’t read beyond the first page anyway. Tailor and fit your resume the best you can to the job that you’re going for. It’s okay to leave some things out.”

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

One of the most important things you can do is customize your resume for each job you apply for. Tailoring your resume means researching the company and the position, then tweaking your resume to reflect how your skills and experiences align with what they’re looking for.

“When you end up looking at 30 resumes over the course of a few days just something a little unique stands out. Something tailored to the position really, really pops right out right away,” said Travis Hilldore, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Pathfinder Systems. “I want to see that they even spent 5 minutes on our website to be able to say, ‘I feel that this skill will help you guys in this way.’”

Highlight Transferable Skills

Hilldore said he is always looking for people who are flexible and who know how to keep communication open.

“As a small business, our marketer talks to our sales associate who talks to our accountant,” he said. “We need somebody who’s not shy about picking up a phone and making a phone call, asking for help, working with other colleagues and problem solving. Someone who is just able to keep that dialogue going. That’s big.”

Hilldore said this doesn’t require any experience in the hardscaping industry. Communication and teamwork are transferable skills. Having a resume that talks about working with other departments or even about how they have picked up the phone to solve a problem would stand out to him.

“I don’t think people need a lot of work experience in hardscaping, but they definitely have to demonstrate how the skills that they have can apply to what they’re applying for,” Bourque said.

“Show what’s related to the industry that you would have done, even if it’s just working outside.”

Use Action Words

Another way to make your resume stand out is to ensure that you use action words to describe your previous experience. You should not just list the previous job’s description. Instead, show your results or your process.

“Use verbs that show initiative like, ‘I’ve assisted people to do this,’ or ‘I’ve built’ or ‘I’ve organized,’” Bourque said. “Those are very important for an employer because they want to see that the person has taken some kind of an action.”

Hilldore echoed the importance of sharing skills through action words. He said he is often more interested in how the candidate approached a problem rather than the problem or task itself.

“On their resume, they can write just a quick blurb on their previous role saying, ‘I was challenged with this. This is how I either taught myself or found resources to teach me how to tackle it. This is how I approach the problem. This is how I resolved the problem,’” Hilldore said.

Employers want to know if you’re coachable, enthusiastic, and willing to learn. Even if you don’t have extensive experience, showing that you are ready to dive into new challenges can make a huge difference.

“If you’re coachable, then we can teach you anything. It’s okay not to know everything. But it’s especially great when we can see that people want to learn,” Bourque said.

A standout resume for the hardscaping industry doesn’t just list skills—it showcases your passion for the work, your ability to learn and adapt, and your readiness to contribute to a team.

By keeping your resume clear, concise, and tailored to the job, you’ll increase your chances of landing that dream job in the hardscaping industry. And remember that a great attitude and a willingness to grow can sometimes matter more than years of experience!

Paving the Way: Women Working in Hardscaping

Though the hardscaping industry has long been male-dominated, the women within it are determined to pave the way to see their numbers grow and inspire lasting change.

Jamie Rodriguez, a Commercial Masonry Account Executive at Oldcastle in Houston, Texas, started her career at a bank.

“I’m in this 5×5 cubicle every day. My hair has to be in a bun. They’re telling me I have to wear pantyhose and I’m like, ‘This is crazy. Who could spend their whole life in a 5×5 cubicle?’ I wanted to be outside. I have this creative brain. I just didn’t feel like my life was being fulfilled,” Rodriguez said.

A client at the bank connected her with a stone yard and she went into sales, learning everything from the ground up – literally! From there she eventually was poached by a “secret shopper” at the stone yard and made her way into the hardscaping industry where she collaborated with local civil engineers and the Greater Houston Builders Association in helping provide input for the revisions to the City of Houston Infrastructure Design Manual as it related to permeable pavers and stormwater management. 

“If you look at that cycle from being a pantyhose, bun-wearing bank lady to advocating for code revisions in the City of Houston, that’s a big change, right?” Rodriguez said. “So, I think there’s a place for women in this industry. You don’t have to be an architect or a landscape architect. You just have to be helpful. You just have to be honest and not be afraid to present alternative solutions.”   

There is a Place for YOU

Gabriela Mariscal, P.E., an SRW Division Engineer at CMHA, originally thought her career in civil engineering only had one real path. She thought she would follow in her father’s footsteps and work on bridges throughout her career. But she discovered there are so many options, especially options that support a healthy work-life balance.

“Of course there were a lot of, you know, raised eyebrows because it’s not necessarily feminine. But it’s a very interesting career. You can design. You can build. You can work in inspection. The work I do for the association is basically halfway in between what a government or building official does and what a consultant in the private sector does,” Mariscal said. “…It is very creative. It is not repetitive. You can do more geotechnical jobs, slope stabilities, redesign of all types of retaining walls, foundation improvement, etc. It is a big umbrella.”

Rodriguez noted that sometimes you have to try out multiple options under that umbrella to find the right place for you.

“Let’s get you in the industry, and let’s figure out where your place is. Maybe it’s accounting. Maybe it’s construction management, and maybe it’s customer service. Maybe it’s color mixing. I don’t know! Maybe, you’re mechanically inclined, and you want to work at the plant. Be an operator. Maybe you want to drive an 18-wheeler,” Rodriguez said. “But we have a place for you.”

Kathy Granger, Vice President of Marketing at Outdoor Living Supply in Franklin, TN, tells women interested in pursuing a career in hardscaping – “Go for it!”

“I don’t think this industry is on a lot of women’s radar.  They don’t know what opportunities exist or the amazing things this industry is doing. If there was more awareness of the opportunities – I think women would be jumping on board,” Granger said.

A Solutions-Focused Career

Avery Terry, a Commercial Design Consultant for Belgard Commercial in the Jewell Region, originally started her career in masonry before moving into hardscapes. She said she was drawn to the way the hardscaping industry offered more opportunities to create sustainable solutions and to educate others on the options.

“With hardscaping, we can change the way our world is built,” Terry said.

She gave the example of a recent project where she was able to save the client from needing to purchase another property and from having to hire more staff. Her solution was not only more pleasing to the eye, but the functionality made their lives easier.

“You get to save the day. I think that’s kind of fun!” Terry said.

Terry said that she thinks one of the keys to success in the hardscaping industry is being able to think outside of the box.

“You can’t be stuck in tradition. You have to be willing to be creative, to explore new possibilities,” Terry said. “The technical knowledge can be taught, but you have to come with that ‘what if’ approach.”

On-the-Job Learning

Mariscal stressed the opportunities for on-the-job learning, recommending that women never underestimate the types of experiences they have.

“When I was doing consulting, we were doing geotechnical work for big subdivisions. And when you do a subdivision, it is, you know, hundreds of homes with a lot of retaining walls…So when you design, it’s 40 walls there, 30 walls here,” Mariscal explained.

After that job she took some time off to be at home with her children, but when she started searching for jobs again, she found that the skills she developed in that consulting job put her well ahead of other job candidates. 

“This is not something you are taught in school. It’s very specialized,” she said. “The concepts, you know, we’ve learned at school. This is how it works. These are the basics of the system. But, actually designing with that is what made me different when I was applying to work for the association.”

Granger said that it is important to be confident and to ask for those opportunities for on-the-job learning.

“You cannot be in this industry and be intimidated by being far outnumbered by men,” Granger said. “I grew up with all brothers so that might have made this easier for me. In the beginning, I had to speak up, make sure I had a place at that table, and asked to be included. It gave me a great opportunity to contribute and demonstrate my value. I also never shied away from additional responsibilities or the ability to take more ownership.”

“You’ve got to have thick skin because it does take a little while to earn the respect, particularly of some men in this industry,” Rodriguez echoed.

A Supportive Community

Women in the hardscaping industry describe it as a supportive community where they continuously learn from and empower one another.

CMHA offers the Concrete Women Connect group, which meets in-person twice a year at the large CMHA meetings and stays connected online the rest of the year. Mariscal shared that it has been really powerful to see the group of women grow each year.

“We’re doing more and more. And I think that is fantastic!” she said.

Terry and Rodriguez said they have been seeing more women join their companies and they think it has a lot to do with how rewarding the jobs can be, especially for the future.

“We get to change people’s lives with our hardscaping solutions,” Terry said. “It’s not just a paver. It’s not just a retaining wall. We’re not just selling a product. We are helping create a solution that is better for our world.”

“I think to be a part of an industry that has such a long history and to be able to say that after you are gone, the projects you worked on would still be here, it’s kind of like leaving a little legacy,” Rodriguez said. “I can’t give billions of dollars to a children’s charity, but my daughter will be able to tell her children, ‘Your grandma worked on that project.’ I’m leaving something behind that is going to impact people. It’s cool to feel like I did something to make the world a better place.”

The Hardscaping Truth: Debunking the Myths Holding Back Your Career

When people think of careers in hardscaping, they might picture a grueling, backbreaking job involving nothing but heavy lifting and endless concrete. But it’s a far more dynamic, creative, and rewarding career path than most give it credit for!

There are a few myths and misconceptions about working in hardscaping that have stuck around, keeping many from exploring the opportunities this field has to offer.

We talked to a few of our Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA) members across the U.S. and Canada to debunk some of these career-limiting myths.

Myth: Hardscaping Won’t Pay the Bills

One of the biggest misconceptions about hardscaping is that it’s a low-paying job, but hardscaping can be a lucrative career with serious earning potential and many opportunities for advancement.

“There’s significant advancement available in construction of any type, and certainly in hardscaping,” said Gary Stowe, President of Stowe Contracting, Inc. in Marina, CA. “…Construction allows you to develop the lifestyle that you want. Everybody sees the computer programmers that making the big bucks. But that’s the minority. That’s not the majority of people. The majority of people are never going to be there, never going to get there, so you need to pick something that has a path forward for you.”

Stowe gave the example of one of his employees who started out as a laborer, cleaning up job sites. He worked his way up through various roles and is now earning six figures.

Myth: College is the Only Way to Get an Education

It’s become a common belief that a successful career requires a college degree and that skipping higher education means missing out on financial success. But for those in hardscaping and the broader construction trades, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

“People are beginning to understand that the construction trades can be a very fruitful lifestyle, and it doesn’t take a lot of education to gain significant advancement in the industry,” Stowe said. “…My formal education is a BSN. That’s a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I went into the service because they offered a program, and I was an emergency room nurse. What did that degree do for me now that I’m a contractor?”

College is not the only place to get an education. Hardscaping offers a lot of on-the-job training and learning. CMHA offers certifications and courses to expand your knowledge base and to gain an understanding of industry best practices.

If college is a good fit for you, there is no one degree option for a career path in hardscaping. Study what interests you and there is almost certainly a way it connects to the hardscaping industry.

Myth: It’s All Brawn, No Brain

People often think hardscaping is all about physical labor with little room for creativity or strategy, but in reality, it’s a field where both brains and brawn play crucial roles.

“I think the biggest myth about hardscaping is that it is a lower paying manual labor career path. While there is a large amount of physical work involved with certain products and jobs, there is a lot of equipment and tools that help with the physicality of the job. The industry is also evolving to more machine set units that are really exciting,” said Sam Hoehner, Chairman of the CMHA Board and Regional Vice President of Lee Masonry Products, Inc. in Bowling Green, KY.

Hardscaping offers a wide range of opportunities to match the unique skills and interests of its diverse workforce.

“A misconception with hardscapes is that it’s a hard and dirty job with low pay, which some of those things are true sometimes,” said Craig Finch, Architectural Representative for RCP Block & Brick, Inc. in Lemon Grove, CA. “…But also, you can become a project manager. You can be an estimator. You can quote jobs. You can be a driver for a company to deliver the material to the job. In the construction world, there’s so many jobs out there. And people are making very good money doing it, too, where you wouldn’t even think that’s a position that exists.”

Myth: Hardscaping Doesn’t Offer Flexibility

Given its work with hard and sturdy materials like concrete, hardscaping might give off the impression of a rigid career path. But in actuality, hardscaping offers a lot of flexibility to people in the industry. Not just in the wide range of job options it provides, but also in terms of schedules.

“I think it’s one of the best careers for single parents. It offers a good schedule. You can work from home sometimes. You can drop off your kids before you head to a job site,” said Barb A. Hatch, President of Southwest Block, Inc. in Rio Rancho, NM. “It’s a perfect job for parents.”

“At our company we work a 4/10 schedule, so we’ve got Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off all the time,” Stowe said. “That’s a great work environment.”

It also doesn’t necessarily take a big investment to jump into hardscaping, allowing many people to work for themselves and start their own companies early in their careers.

Carl Peterson, Director of Education at Nicolock Paving Stones of New Jersey in Sparta, NJ, got his start in hardscaping when he was just 17 years old.

“I started with borrowing my dad’s chainsaw and doing some tree work on the side. And then, you know, I got asked a little bit more, a little bit more. I went to college for a little bit less than a year,” Peterson said. “I came out either winter recess or spring break, I forget which one it was, and did a whole bunch of work on the side. I made more than most of my friends who had four-year degrees. I made more in a month than they made in a year.”

Myth: Hardscaping is Not an Art

Hardscaping is often more artistic and creative than people realize, blending colors, styles, and textures to create beautiful outdoor spaces.

“Hardscaping is artistic in ways people don’t expect. You can find a lot of beauty in this work,” Hatch said.

It’s a dynamic field, evolving with trends and geography, and offers plenty of room for creative expression and problem solving.

“Just like any other trade professional (plumbing, carpentry, masonry, electricians, welding, etc), hardscaping is a professional career path that will combine artistic creativity and business acumen to allow a high potential earnings career path,” Hoehner said.

Myth: Hardscaping is Limited

“Think big,” Fred Adams, Vice President of Fred Adams Paving Co., Inc. in Morrisville, NC, said. Adams said looking at the bigger picture is what really drew him to hardscaping as a long-term career. He noted that paving is one of the oldest technologies in human history, dating back to ancient times when the Romans built their famous roads, like the Appian Way in Italy, which still stands today.

Adams said these enduring structures are a testament to the complexity and skill required to create lasting hardscaping systems. In modern hardscaping, that bigger picture translates into countless career opportunities—whether you’re passionate about design, engineering, or the technical side of projects. And that’s just scratching the surface! Beyond the hands-on work, there’s a whole world of business possibilities to explore as well.

“There is so much more to hardscaping than installing paver,” Robert Bowers, P. Eng., CMHA’s Vice President of Engineering, Hardscapes. “…Hardscaping is not just one skill. It is many skills.”

Bowers notes that hardscaping interacts with elements of construction, landscaping, horticulture, irrigation, masonry, and carpentry. There are a lot of different components that can come in.

“There is a lot to learn and you have to start somewhere,” Bowers said. “The more you can learn, the more you can grow, and the more successful you will be.”

Whether it’s the idea that hardscaping is only for those who love manual labor, or the misconception that there’s no room for growth, these myths couldn’t be further from the truth. Hardscaping is a career where artistry meets construction, and problem-solving is just as important as muscle power. Plus, with the demand for outdoor spaces soaring, the possibilities for career advancement are greater than ever.

“I had an auto repair business and it was terrible. I had to learn, or had to gain the trust of, people every single day. Every day I’d have 10 or 12 people, I’d have to gain their trust, just so they’d start to work with me. When I got into construction, it was 10 or 12 people a year, and they enjoyed what they were doing. They liked you to be there and it was just a completely different mindset,” Stowe said. “It’s a great industry to be in. People enjoy what they’re doing. They’re excited about it.”

“Hardscaping is a solid career path with very nice earnings potential. The amount of professionals owning/operating hardscaping businesses out there are growing and the field has a large upside with more growth potential ahead,” Hoehner said.

“…The future of the hardscaping industry is bright.”

Explore our resources on the variety of options in the hardscaping industry and see why it might just be the creative, fulfilling career you never expected.

GET STARTED WITH A CAREER IN HARDSCAPING TODAY!